Russia is generally not considered as cost-effective compared to other European countries, and it can be difficult to find web pages in English versions. Unless you speak Russian, you may need the help of a translator. To avoid being without Russian television, internet or telephone when moving into a new home, it is advisable to start researching your options at least two weeks before moving in.

Telecommunications in Russia: Internet, TV and telephone packages

It should be noted that some services depend on the area you are living. Not every company covers entire areas or all services, so you may need to use one company to connect to Russian TV and another for telephone and internet.

To ensure you have internet, telephone or TV connection when you move in, you should contact providers at least two weeks before moving. Contracts can be generally cancelled with a month’s notice, therefore, there are typically no long-term contracts.

In order to install a Russian telephone, internet or TV connection, the service provider will typically want to see the following documents:

However, Russian internet connections are not as developed in smaller towns and sometimes even on the outskirts of large cities. Subsequently, you may be subject to pay higher prices for lower speeds.

The majority of apartments in Moscow and St Petersburg have a Russian broadband connection already installed, or offer something similar. If there is no internet socket, you will need to apply to be connected to an internet connection in Russia.

All Russian internet providers offer online applications and it typically takes around two weeks to set the connection up.

Russian television and cable TV

There is no mandatory TV licence in Russia for households, and there are several options for accessing Russian television. The system is designed with a network of television transmissions – terrestrial, cable and satellite.

The country’s process to shift its analog broadcasting to digital was prolonged to 2018. Consequently, the 3,300 Russian TV channels are transmitted without needing a mandatory licence. Cable TV is the norm in Russia, with all providers offering various packages. The majority of residential buildings have aerials mounted to their roofs and can receive 15 channels for free.

Russia also has various major cable and satellite TV providers for its expat community. Channels are typically broadcasted in English, but you can also buy Smart TVs with subtitles. The leading satellite TV provider in Russia is Tricolour TV which offers packages of up to 151 channels, many transmitted in HD, starting at around RUB 1,200 a year.

Another TV provider OnLime (Rostelcom) offers packages starting with a basic 129 channels priced at RUB 320 per month. They offer packages that include English language channels.

As for TV cable connections, Akado is a leader with its basic 95 channels for RUB 300 per month. It must be noted that all three companies have broadband packages including television, internet, and telephone at various affordable prices. These also allow you to listen to Russian radio.

Most apartments in major cities will already have these services installed. However, if a new tenant or owner wants to change providers, the application can be completed online, by telephone or visiting the company’s office. Approximately five to seven working days are required for new installations; contracts don’t have a date of duration indicated, so it gives the possibility to cancel with a 10-day notice. Bills for Russian television can be paid online, in the offices of the service provider, at designated payment machines or over the phone.

Connecting a Russian telephone: Landlines in Russia

The telephone systems in Russia’s major cities and larger urban areas have modern and highly developed digital communications. In rural areas, the networks are typically old and outdated. Rostelecom is the leading national provider of Russian telephone lines, while in the capital Moscow City Telephone Services is the most popular telephone provider.

The majority of residential buildings usually have a pre-connected Russian landline and transferring ownership is a relatively easy and quick procedure. If a socket is already installed you will be connected within a couple of weeks. If there is no Russian telephone connection, you will need to register an application to have a landline installation.

In most cases, you will need a Russian telephone line before you can connect to Russian internet. Many providers offer combined packages includign telephone and internet in Russia.

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Russian mobile phones

Russia has three main mobile service providers – MTS, MegaFon and BeeLine – which offer pay-as-you-go and contract packages. These packages frequently include text and internet usage. MTS and MegaFon have packages available in English on their websites.

The price of phone calls is determined by where you are calling from and to which area – calls within one city or the area are at standard charges, while calling to another city or region can get expensive. For a comparison, this website shows the packages provided by all three companies.

The network coverage in Russia has both 3G and 4G communication standards. Free WiFi is also accessible in various public places, such as major streets, cafes, parks and hotels. Moscow is very WiFi-friendly and offers open networks in the airports, subway and train stations. Read more in our guide to Russian mobile operators, SIM cards and dialling Russian mobile numbers.

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